US Embassy's Jon Stewart tweet sparks criticism from Egypt's president

The Egyptian presidential palace has sharply criticized the U.S. Embassy in Cairo for tweeting a link to a Jon Stewart "Daily Show" Monday night episode defending comedian and political satirist Bassem Youssef Tuesday evening.

"The Presidency has not filed any complaint against stand-up comedian Basem Yousef," the statement read. "The Presidency reiterates the importance of freedom of expression and fully respects press freedom. All citizens are free to express themselves without the restrictions that prevailed in the era of the previous regime."

Morsi, the statement added, is determined to ensure that the media operate in a free environment.

"We urge citizens to exercise their legal right to freedom of speech while respecting the rule of law," it concluded.